GREENSBORO — Dr. David Pratto, head of the Sociology Department
at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, was presented with the
Distinguished Contributions to Sociology Award by the North Carolina Sociological
Association at its annual meeting in Raleigh Feb. 18.

The award cited Pratto for his commitment to research, education and
public service. The author of a book, book chapters, and numerous journal
articles, Pratto is most widely recognized for examining how children fare
when raised in homes where both parents have full-time jobs. His research
helped dispel a myth prevalent in the 1980s that held working women responsible
for some of society's ills. Research he conducted with other sociologists
showed that grades and emotional development of so-called "latchkey" (selfcare)
kids did not differ from that of children raised in more traditional homes.

The award also recognized Pratto's commitment to applied sociology.
His interests are varied and wide-ranging, addressing issues in criminal
justice, toxic waste disposal, water usage and health care as well as the
family. He has completed more than 20 technical reports for area organizations
and has had contracts or grants from numerous foundations, government,
health care and religious organizations in North Carolina. He has also
served as a consultant or researcher for many area organizations over the
past 30 years. In 1974, he became the first male member of the Greensboro
League of Women Voters.

Some of the local organizations to which he contributed research in
the 1990s include Courtwatch of North Carolina, Triangle Computer Users
Group, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, the Kellogg Foundation, the City
of Greensboro and the County Commissioners of Guilford County and Forsyth
County.

Pratto also served as editor of "Family Forum," the newsletter of the
Family Section of the American Sociological Association.
His contributions to UNCG have been substantial. He has served as secretary
and chair of the UNCG Faculty Senate and chaired or served on approximately
80 university committees throughout his tenure.

Pratto says his career has made him increasingly optimistic about the
future of American society. "I see the possibilities, and they're very
great," he said. "The family is still very much a core of America. Societies
change and undergo modifications, but it really takes a lot to kill a society
or a way of life. There's a certain kind of resilience that can't be dictated
by politics, religion, economics or educational organizations. I'm saying,
‘Leave us alone, we'll do what we have to do and do it right, instead of
letting institutions dictate what we should and shouldn't do.'"

Pratto joined the faculty of UNCG in1969. He has been elected head of
the Sociology Department twice, and was recently elected to serve another
two years. He has taught 17 courses, and chaired or served on numerous
thesis committees. Pratto received his Ph.D.from the University of Colorado.